Phil Foden tipped to leave Man City and complete unthinkable transfer ahead of next season

The world of football transfer speculation rarely produces rumors as seismic as the suggestion that Phil Foden could depart Manchester City for a Premier League rival. Yet this is precisely the scenario that has emerged in recent discussions, with former professional footballer Tony Cascarino floating the possibility of the England international making an “unthinkable” move to Arsenal. While such speculation may seem far-fetched given Foden’s deep roots at the Etihad Stadium, the circumstances surrounding his recent performances and Manchester City’s evolving squad dynamics warrant serious examination.

Phil Foden’s journey with Manchester City represents one of modern football’s most compelling success stories. Rising through the ranks of the club’s academy system, he has evolved from a promising youngster into one of English football’s most technically gifted players. His development under Pep Guardiola’s tutelage has been nothing short of remarkable, culminating in individual accolades including the Football Writers’ Player of the Year award in the 2023-24 season.

However, the 2024-25 campaign has presented a different narrative entirely. Foden’s statistical output has declined significantly, with only seven Premier League goals to his name—his lowest tally since the 2019-20 season. This drop in productivity has coincided with a noticeable reduction in his prominence within Guardiola’s starting eleven, particularly during the crucial second half of the season when titles are typically decided.

The decline in Foden’s fortunes has not gone unnoticed by those within football circles. His decision to withdraw from England international duty in June 2025, citing “a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally,” alongside his ongoing struggle with an ankle injury, paints a picture of a player grappling with challenges both on and off the field. These factors combined have created the perfect storm for transfer speculation to flourish.

Tony Cascarino’s suggestion that Arsenal could be a potential destination for Foden is not without merit when examined through the lens of existing relationships and tactical considerations. The connection between Mikel Arteta and Foden runs deep, forged during Arteta’s time as Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City. During this period, Arteta would have witnessed firsthand Foden’s development and understood the nuances of his playing style and personality.

Arsenal’s recent transfer activity involving former Manchester City players provides additional context to this speculation. The successful acquisitions of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko demonstrated that City were willing to allow talented players to join a direct Premier League rival when the circumstances aligned. Both players have proved instrumental in Arsenal’s resurgence under Arteta, with Jesus bringing pace and clinical finishing to the forward line, while Zinchenko has provided tactical flexibility and technical quality in defense.

The philosophical alignment between Arteta’s Arsenal and the football culture Foden has experienced at Manchester City cannot be understated. Arteta’s implementation of possession-based football, intricate passing patterns, and high defensive lines mirrors many of the principles he learned under Guardiola. For Foden, such an environment would represent continuity rather than adaptation, potentially making the transition smoother than a move to a club with contrasting tactical approaches.

From Arsenal’s perspective, the acquisition of Foden would represent a statement of intent that would reverberate throughout English football. The North London club has made significant strides under Arteta’s leadership, consistently challenging for major honors and establishing themselves as genuine title contenders. Adding a player of Foden’s caliber would not only strengthen their squad considerably but also signal their ambition to bridge the gap to Manchester City and other elite clubs.

Any potential transfer involving Phil Foden would inevitably command an astronomical fee, likely exceeding £100 million given his age, nationality, and proven Premier League pedigree. For Arsenal, such an investment would represent a significant departure from their traditional transfer strategy, which has typically focused on identifying undervalued talent or securing players in the final years of their contracts.

However, the strategic value of acquiring Foden extends beyond mere on-field contributions. His signing would serve multiple purposes for Arsenal: enhancing their attacking options, adding proven Premier League experience, and potentially deterring other top clubs from pursuing their existing star players. The psychological impact of such a signing on both the Arsenal squad and their supporters cannot be quantified in financial terms alone.

For Manchester City, the decision to potentially allow Foden’s departure would need to be weighed against several factors. The financial implications, while substantial, may be secondary to the strategic considerations. City’s squad depth and continued ability to attract world-class talent might make them more amenable to such a transaction than would typically be expected. Additionally, Financial Fair Play considerations, despite City’s substantial resources, could influence their willingness to entertain significant offers for academy graduates whose sales would represent pure profit on their balance sheet.

Phil Foden’s versatility has been one of his greatest assets throughout his Manchester City career. His ability to operate effectively across multiple positions—whether as a central attacking midfielder, wide forward, or even as a false nine—makes him an invaluable tactical asset for any manager. This flexibility would be particularly appealing to Arteta, whose tactical system relies heavily on players capable of occupying different roles within the same match.

At Arsenal, Foden could potentially fill several tactical voids that have occasionally hindered the team’s progress. His creativity and vision would add another dimension to Arsenal’s attacking play, particularly in matches against defensively minded opponents where breaking down compact defensive structures becomes paramount. His pace and directness would also provide Arteta with additional options when transitioning between different phases of play.

The technical aspects of Foden’s game align perfectly with Arsenal’s current playing philosophy. His close ball control, ability to play in tight spaces, and understanding of positional play would integrate seamlessly with players like Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli. The prospect of these players combining in Arsenal’s attacking third would undoubtedly excite supporters and worry opposing defenders.

Moreover, Foden’s experience in high-pressure situations, gained through numerous title races and Champions League campaigns with Manchester City, would prove invaluable for Arsenal as they continue their quest for major honors. His understanding of what it takes to perform consistently at the highest level could prove infectious among his new teammates.

The psychological aspects of any potential transfer cannot be overlooked when considering Foden’s situation. His admission of mental challenges during the 2024-25 season suggests that a change of environment might be beneficial for his overall well-being and career trajectory. The pressure of being Manchester City’s homegrown star, coupled with the weight of expectation that comes with being one of England’s brightest talents, may have contributed to his recent struggles.

A move to Arsenal could provide Foden with the opportunity for a fresh start while remaining in familiar surroundings. London’s appeal as a destination for young, wealthy footballers is well-documented, and the change of scenery might help him rediscover the joy and freedom in his game that made him such a compelling player during his breakthrough seasons.

The cultural fit between Foden and Arsenal’s current squad also merits consideration. The club’s recent recruitment has focused on acquiring players with strong character and professional attitudes, creating an environment where talented individuals can thrive without the burden of excessive ego or internal conflict. Foden’s reputation as a dedicated professional and team player suggests he would integrate well into this culture

The modern transfer market has witnessed several high-profile moves between Premier League rivals that were initially considered unthinkable. The transfers of Robin van Persie from Arsenal to Manchester United, Raheem Sterling from Liverpool to Manchester City, and more recently, Harry Kane from Tottenham to Bayern Munich (though not a direct rival), demonstrate that even the most unlikely transfers can materialize when circumstances align.

These precedents suggest that loyalty and traditional rivalries, while still significant factors, are increasingly secondary to career progression and personal ambition in modern football. If Foden genuinely believes that his development has stagnated at Manchester City, the prospect of a new challenge might override his emotional attachment to the club.

The timing of such speculation is also noteworthy. The summer of 2025 represents a potential inflection point for several Premier League clubs, with Arsenal seeking to build on their recent progress and Manchester City potentially entering a period of squad renewal. These factors could create the perfect conditions for a transfer that might not be possible under different circumstances.

Pep Guardiola’s public comments regarding Foden’s situation provide insight into the Manchester City manager’s thinking. His acknowledgment that Foden “has not been at his best” and his commitment to helping the player return to form suggests a manager who remains invested in the player’s success. However, Guardiola’s pragmatic approach to squad management means that he would likely support any decision that serves the best interests of both the player and the club.

The relationship between Guardiola and his players has always been characterized by mutual respect and professional honesty. If Foden were to express a desire for a new challenge, it is conceivable that Guardiola would support such a decision rather than attempt to retain an unhappy player. This approach has served Manchester City well in previous transfer situations and would likely be applied to Foden’s case.

Furthermore, Guardiola’s ability to develop and improve players means that Manchester City would likely have confidence in their ability to replace Foden’s contributions through tactical adjustments or new signings. The manager’s track record of success without specific individuals suggests that the club’s overall objectives would not be significantly compromised by Foden’s departure

Should such a transfer materialize, its implications would extend far beyond the two clubs directly involved. The move would represent a significant shift in the power dynamics of English football, potentially altering the competitive balance in the Premier League title race. Arsenal’s acquisition of a player of Foden’s caliber would strengthen their position as genuine title contenders and could inspire other ambitious clubs to pursue similarly bold transfers.

The transfer would also have implications for the England national team, with Foden’s career trajectory potentially influencing his international prospects. A successful move that revitalizes his club form could enhance his chances of becoming a key player for England in major tournaments, while a failed transfer might have the opposite effect.

From a broader market perspective, such a high-profile move between Premier League rivals could set new precedents for future transfers, potentially making similar moves more acceptable and common. This could fundamentally alter how clubs approach their transfer strategies and player retention policies.

While the prospect of Phil Foden leaving Manchester City for Arsenal remains highly speculative, the various factors outlined above demonstrate that such a move cannot be dismissed entirely. The convergence of Foden’s personal challenges, Arsenal’s ambition, the existing relationships between key personnel, and the evolving dynamics of modern football transfers create a scenario where the seemingly impossible might become plausible.

However, several significant obstacles remain. Foden’s deep connection to Manchester City, the astronomical transfer fee required, and the club’s likely reluctance to strengthen a direct rival all work against such a move. Additionally, Guardiola’s commitment to helping Foden rediscover his form suggests that Manchester City will make every effort to resolve the player’s current difficulties internally.

The truth is that modern football’s unpredictable nature means that even the most unlikely scenarios can unfold when circumstances align. While the probability of Foden’s transfer to Arsenal remains low, the possibility cannot be entirely discounted. As the summer transfer window progresses, this speculation will undoubtedly continue to generate discussion and debate among footbal